SCHOOL cleaners Sue Nutt and husband Brian have earned the right to put their feet up after sweeping up nearly half a century of service between them.

They have both retired from Finham Park School, Finham, which they have together kept in pristine condition for students and staff.

Sue, 63, who lives with her husband in Anchorway Road near the school has worked as a cleaner at the site in Green Lane for 39 years.

Her husband notched up eight years’ service after Sue convinced him to help her out when he retired from his job at Peugeot. “It’s great because I’m his boss at work as well as his boss at home,” Sue joked.

Sue, a grandmother-of-four, said she only started the job out of convenience to fit in with caring for her eldest daughter when she started school.

But she never thought she would be still be enjoying the job 40 years later. As the longest-serving member at Finham, she has seen many changes take place over the years.

Sue said: “When I first started there was a team of 25 cleaners and now there’s just 12. And there are more buildings to clean but we’ve got more equipment these days.

“There was just one Hoover between us when I started because most of the floors were made of wood. We have a lot more now because it’s mostly carpet.”

Husband Brian said: “I only offered to help out for three hours a week and ended up doing a lot more, but I think what Sue has done it great.”

Fellow cleaning staff presented the pair with a golden bucket and brush. Sue was also awarded with a personalised apron in recognition of her long service.